Google has expanded its Google Translate service by adding 110 new languages, thanks to its Artificial Intelligence (AI) model PaLM 2. The recent expansion aims to provide translation support for over 600 million people, reaching 8% of the world’s population.
In 2022, Google added 24 new languages to its translator using Zero-Shot Machine Translation technology. The company also announced its initiative to reach 1,000 languages to support the most widely spoken languages globally. The latest addition of 110 languages is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Google used the Large Language Model (LLM) PaLM 2 to implement its largest expansion yet in Google Translate. This model allows Google Translate to efficiently learn closely related languages. About a quarter of the new languages come from Africa, such as Fon, Kikongo, Luo, Ga, Swati, Venda, and Wolof. The other languages include Punjabi, Nko, Tamazight, Tok Pisin and many more.
When choosing which languages to add, Google considers factors like regional varieties, dialects and spelling standards. The company prioritizes the most widely used varieties of each language to reach as many people as possible. Google will continue to work with experts and native speakers to support more linguistic varieties and spelling conventions in the future.
This expansion is an effort by Google to help people connect more easily by breaking language barriers with its latest AI technologies. By providing translation support for over 600 million people across different continents and cultures, it’s making it easier for them to communicate with one another regardless of their native language or location.
Overall, this recent addition marks a significant milestone for Google’s efforts in making translation more accessible and convenient for everyone around the world.